What I have learned about the whole design process is to begin with an idea, make a plan, get feedback, execute your plan, and reflect. In the beginning of the MSUrbanSTEM fellowship, I was nervous and anxious as to what I was going to learn and do throughout the school year. As the summer came to a close, I had an idea of how students can strengthen their mathematical discourse and vocabulary in the class and connect it to the real world. I planned with engaging activities which I had received feedback, support, and ideas with resources to use. After executing my plan, I reflected on the pros, cons, and what to do differently in the future.
As my ImagineIt comes to an end for this school year, I have insight as to how my ImagineIt has impacted my colleagues and students. One colleague stated, “You gave me really good ideas for technology and making vocabulary learning more engaging . It was a great collaborative project.” Another colleague commented, “The work you did with rap/theme songs inspired me to do something similar for our public writing project. It's a great way for students to be creative and share their learning in an engaging way. Your use of technology this year has inspired me to think outside the box a little more. It has encouraged me to move beyond the traditional math curriculum.” The students I received input from in the fall stated, “I understand it more, the technology and vocabulary.” “It helps you memorize what you learned.” “Keep doing it it’s fun.” “I liked working together doing new things.” “I really liked the memes project, it was my favorite.”
One aspect that I have learned in the teaching itself and has influenced my teaching is the importance to get feedback from the students. It gave them a sense of ownership to provide their input and feedback for the process and their learning. I have also learned to try new ideas and technology resources to enhance student learning making it more engaging.